Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought [them]. 14 But when Jesus saw [it], He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. 15 “Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” 16 And He took them up in His arms, laid [His] hands on them, and blessed them.

– Mark 10:13-16 (NKJV)

The disciples didn’t value children the way that Jesus did. They thought that kids were getting in the way of the “real” work of ministry. They saw them as a waste of Jesus’ time and theirs. But Jesus saw things differently. He has put a child in their midst and encouraged the disciples to look out for the least of these. They should be learning this lesson by now.

Jesus goes further than to say that he values children, he says that his kingdom is made up of children. Furthermore that whoever would become a part of his kingdom must receive it as a child. Children don’t have a lot of skills or ability, but one thing they do have is the ability to depend on someone else. What is viewed as weakness in this world is a real strength when it comes to the kingdom of God.

Sometimes we are tempted to think that the more we know about Jesus, the better Christians we will be. While it is helpful to know about Jesus, that isn’t how we grow in a relationship with God. Trust/ Faith is how you grow in a relationship with God.

There are some folks who come to faith in Christ as a child. They may not know much, but they do know that they are trusting Jesus. How wonderful that the way we receive the kingdom of God isn’t through our own intellectual abilities or good deeds, but through the simple matter of trust. That is something that even a child can do!

Father, We love you and want to grow in knowledge of you and your word. Thank you for loving children. Thank you for the simplicity of the gospel message that makes it so powerful that even a child can recieve it. Give us wisdom as we seek to encourage and tell others about you. Give us your heart for children and help us grow in our simple trust in you. Give us discernment as we apply your word to our lives. In Jesus Name, Amen.